How do you measure a good year? What are your indicators of success? Have you ever written these down at the start of each New Year and reviewed at the end to see if you achieved those things, or if you changed course at some point due to factors driving the need for change. We all “feel” what we perceive as successes or failures, a good year or a bad one. But even in a bad year we all have the ability to make things better.

I grew up playing a lot of sports. And I remain a huge fan of all kinds of sports. NFL, MLB, college basketball, baseball and football, you name it; I watch it. I’m a giant fan of the Olympics, winter and summer. I’d honestly ditch my cable subscription if it weren’t for the games I’d miss out on.

My knees keep me from getting out there and doing much on the court or in the field anymore, though from time to time I do make some questionable decisions in that regard. Then I regret it for a few days (weeks) afterward.

Ankeny, IA (November 18, 2022) The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the association representing shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers, and their trade partners, and the Hummel Group announced earlier this month the creation of risk management and insurance solutions designed for the Shooting Sports Industry, called Fortify Insurance.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the association representing shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers, and their trade partners, announced last week, at the annual NASGW Expo, donations to five shooting sports industry organizations, including The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), Walk The Talk America (WTTA), the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance (YSSA), and the American Suppressor Association (ASA). 

What a week in Kansas City at the NASGW Expo. I hope you all are catching up on sleep and feeling refreshed after a great week of meetings. Every year the Expo provides us an opportunity to see familiar faces, talk about our businesses, discuss industry topics, get some business done, and have a little fun. I came away from Kansas City very optimistic. There seemed to be a buzz of energy, on the show floor, in our meetings, and at the Annual Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday. Yes, there are some looming uncertainties, but that didn't seem to impact the general optimism. Yes, our sales are down compared to 2020 and 2021, but most everyone I spoke with is still in a better place than they were in 2019, pre-covid. In general, the industry is still growing. We are experiencing a new normal stronger than before the pandemic surge. I'm confident the industry is in a good place.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the association representing shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers, and their trade partners, announced the winners of their annual Appreciation and Caliber Awards during their Appreciation Dinner at the NASGW Expo, in Kansas City, MO.

Social media… some people love it and others absolutely hate it. I see it more as a necessary evil. I know it can be great for companies getting their message out. It’s phenomenal to stay in touch with family and friends. But unfortunately, in many respects, it’s also become a hive of nastiness just waiting for an opportunity to sting you.

PRESS RELEASE

Ankeny, IA (October 12, 2022) –The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) in partnership with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), have chosen the top three products in six categories including Best New Rifle, Best New Handgun, Best New Shotgun, Best New Ammunition, Best New Optic, and Best New Accessory. An independent panel of 18 industry judges, comprised of NASGW members and POMA members, selected the finalists in each category. In order to qualify, manufacturers needed to be a NASGW member in good standing and the product must have been publicly released after November 1st, 2021. 

PRESS RELEASE

Ankeny, IA (October 11, 2022) - The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and their wholesale members have nominated this year's Appreciation Award finalists. Each year, NASGW Awards the top optics, accessory, ammunition, and firearms manufacturers along with the leading importer and innovator, who best demonstrate a commitment to the two-step distribution while providing outstanding service value. "NASGW's Appreciation Awards are an opportunity for our wholesale members to recognize the top manufacturers that support two-step distribution," said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW President. "We can't wait to see who wins later this month." Wholesaler members evaluate manufacturers' performance on four key criteria; distribution policy, marketing, sales, and promotion; logistics and operations; and NASGW and industry support. This comprehensive assessment of manufacturer performance is designed to provide a more balanced appraisal that truly recognizes the best of the best, according to NASGW distributor members.